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Chicken and Dumplings

This easy, hearty, and delicious homemade chicken and dumplings recipe features tender shredded chicken and pillowy dumplings in a savory broth, perfect for cold nights and family gatherings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the broth
  • 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie works well) Substitute cooked turkey if preferred.
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken stock Add water if needed.
  • 1 cup milk or half-and-half For richer dumplings.
  • 2 tablespoons butter Used for sautéing.
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 carrots carrots, sliced
  • 2 stalks celery, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour For thickening.
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme Or 1 tablespoon fresh.
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
For the dumplings
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda Optional, for lighter dumplings.
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3 tablespoons cold butter, cubed
  • 3/4 cup buttermilk or milk mixed with 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Optional Garnishes
  • frozen peas Optional.
  • chopped parsley Optional.
  • squeeze of lemon Optional, to brighten.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Heat butter in a large pot over medium. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened, 6–8 minutes.
  2. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Stir in 1/4 cup flour and cook 1 minute to remove raw flour taste.
  4. Slowly whisk in chicken stock and milk. Scrape up any brown bits.
  5. Add shredded chicken and thyme. Bring to a gentle simmer and season with salt and pepper.
Dumpling Preparation
  1. Make dumpling batter: whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Cut in cold butter until mixture is coarse.
  2. Stir in buttermilk until just combined — do not overmix.
  3. Drop spoonfuls (about 1–2 tablespoons) of batter into simmering broth, spacing them so they don’t touch.
  4. Cover the pot tightly and simmer on low for 12–15 minutes without lifting the lid.
Finishing Touches
  1. Remove lid, check dumplings with a toothpick — it should come out clean.
  2. Stir in peas and parsley if using. Adjust seasoning and serve.

Notes

Enjoy warm in deep bowls, paired with fresh parsley, salad, or crusty bread. For a lighter meal, pair with steamed green beans. Avoid lifting the lid while dumplings steam. Freeze leftovers up to 3 months; texture changes may occur.